It often takes convincing for people to try reflexology for the first time. It is often as a last result after many failed treatments that people turn to reflexology. It is certainly difficult to understand how pressing a point on your foot could relieve back pain for the itch of eczema when you are brought up to believe that the point of pain is where the problem is. But results have been so impressive that many people are having regular treatments to overcome illness, to stay healthy or simply to relax.

Studies in England have shown that pregnant women who had ten reflexology treatments were in labor for half the time that medical textbooks claim is the average. Many people who have tried reflexology claim relief from such diverse conditions as asthma and the depression and side effects associated with cancer treatment. Others find it a soothing form of stress relief without the commitment to a full body massage.

In the early 20th century Dr. Wm. Fitzgerald, an ear, nose, throat specialist at Boston General Hospital became interested in zone therapy, which provided the foundation for reflexology. It is not clear where or how Dr. Fitzgerald found out about zone therapy, but it is generally assumed that it was while he was vacationing in Europe. Soon after his return he began to introduce his clients to this therapy.

Eunice Ingham was introduced to the therapy and saw the marked improvement in her clients. It was she that developed and renamed zone therapy as reflexology. As well, she mapped out the feet's reflex zones and marketed it internationally. Reflexology is the practice of applying pressure to points on the feet and hands, usually the feet to stimulate the body's own natural healing system.

Reflexology is a safe, effective form of treatment which practitioners use to stimulate the body to heal itself. They do this by working on the physical body to stimulate the healing at the physical, mental and emotional levels. Although the therapy involves no conscious effort on the patient's part it encourages the body's healing system to search for its point of balance or homeostasis.

Your therapist usually begins and ends a treatment with some relaxation techniques to free the ankles and relax you. She will work over all the foot, before giving specific attention to problem areas. If you feel pain or tenderness in a certain area, it is an indication of a blockage or imbalance in the corresponding organ or body part. The reflexologist will then pay special attention to these areas.

The intention is not to cause you pain, but pain is a sign of blocked energy, and she will want to free the blockage to stimulate the healing process. Blocked energy is often indicated by crystalline deposits under the skin, which can feel like rice crispies or the reflexes can feel taut or spongy. The reflexologist will spend time working on these areas to eliminate blockages. It is normal to feel tired, completely revitalized or just mellow. Some people's symptoms can get worse before they get better. This usually happens when you are fighting an infection or overcoming a painful condition. For most people, the treatment is relaxing rather painful but always great!

For more information on reflexology or other treatments, feel free to contact us.